Reamoving Front base Lower ball joint - Honda Prelude Forum

Sleepe00 · 09-12-2011, 04:22 PM

Hi i have a 98 base Prelude. i need to reaplace my ball joint but befor i start i want some guidence.aka help. i already did some search some say buy new spindel.... some say get lower ball joint from AZ. or Advance. part stor. wish way is the right way to reamove this ball joint. if some one haves a write up or a helms on had. really apriciate the help for a felow lUDER. pleas and thank you.

minilogoguy18 · 09-12-2011, 05:51 PM

You either can rent a ball joint remover from advance or use a press, I wouldn't buy a new knuckle. I bet there are videos on youtube or something on how to replace a ball joint if you've never done it, don't be afraid to totally destroy the old one that's coming out.

Sleepe00 · 09-13-2011, 04:13 PM

thanks i just dint know how go about it. n the Ezz way. but i saw a vid on a accord that look like it had the same set up as us.

LudeDude80 · 09-15-2011, 10:50 AM

Sleepe,

Here is the procedure for replacing the lower ball joints on a '98 Prelude (base):

1) Remove the brake caliper, and brake rotor from the steering knuckle assembly.

2) Remove the steering knuckle assembly from the vehicle.

3) Pry the ball joint boot snapring off, then remove the boot. (refer to this Prelude ball joint diagram)

4) Check the boot condition and replace if damaged or deteriorated.

5) Install the ball joint removal/installer around the ball joint spindle with the large end facing out. Install and tighten the ball joint castle nut to hold the tool in position.

6) Position the knuckle with the installed tool into a suitable vise, with the ball joint removal base tool installed over the ball joint base.

7) Tighten the vise to press the ball joint out of the steering knuckle.

To install:

1) Position the new ball joint into the hole of the steering knuckle.

2) Install the ball joint removal/installer on the ball joint spindle side of the steering knuckle with the small end facing out.

3) Position the installation base on the ball joint base and set the assembly in a large vise. Tighten the vise to press the ball joint into the steering knuckle.

4) Pack the interior of the ball joint boot with grease.

5) Adjust the boot clip guide tool with its adjusting bolt until the end of the tool aligns with the groove on the boot. Slide the clip over the installed onto the boot using the clip guide tool and into position on the ball joint boot and seat the ball joint boot snapring in the groove of the ball joint.

6) The remainder of installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

Hope this helps you out a bit!

TheJGB-2KTypeSH · 09-20-2011, 03:17 PM

I recommend getting new OEM front balljoints from Honda. There was a recall for the 96-98 Preludes and Accords so they offer a kit that includes two balljoints, 2 axle nuts, & four cotter pins

The part# you need to purchase is
04510-SL5-000 - Honda BALL JOINT KIT $39.69

This kit includes balljoints for BOTH SIDES, two axle nuts, and four cotter pins. The funny thing is, it doesn't come with the castle nuts for the ball joints.
So here is the part# for the castle nuts
90307-SL5-000 - Honda NUT, CASTLE (14MM) $3.17
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